Saturday, December 30, 2006

Fun & Games

The Bumper Quiz

Well finally, after such a hectic Christmas, I have managed to get a post up, and the answers to the Bumper Quiz will follow shortly, along with all the scores. But first can I say a big thank you to all those who have visited my site this year, and hope that you all had a fantastic Christmas.
I hope you all have a wonderful and prosperous New Year!
Speaking of which, no big quiz this week, but one question for you to tackle.

We all remember celebrating the New Millenium as the clock went past 12 on 31st December 1999, and into January 1st 2000. But why were we technically WRONG to celebrate it then? When should we have celebrated it and why?

Now on with the scores;

Even though she was the only one to give the artists as well as the song titles, and eventually managed to get just about all the christmas songs right, she was let down by a poor first round..and with a score of 35, it's.......MUM!

But ahead on points, and with two stunning rounds with the movies and Quizzicles, but not quite enough again, losing by just a single point AGAIN!!! On 37 it's KIM!!!

So the king of the quiz the Christmas Cracker of cracking quizzes, the movies buff extreme, has once again taken the crown. Yes I give you the authority on James Bond films ......WILL!!!!!!! with 38!!!

So on with the answers;

Round 1 : Head - Jim Broadbent, Eyes - Leslie Nielson, Nose - Tim Allen, Mouth - Sir Richard Attenborough, Chin - Brian Blessed. And the Link, They all played the part of Santa.

Round 2: 1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2. The Nightmare Before Christmas, 3. White Christmas, 4. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, 5. Scrooge, 6. Jingle all the way, 7. The Santa Clause, 8. Santa Claus - The Movie, 9. Miricle on 34th Street, 10. Bad Santa.

Round 3: Last Christmas/Wham, Fairytale of New York/The Pogues and Kirsty McCall, I wish it could be Christmas evryday/Wizzard, Merry Christmas Everybody/Slade, Mistletoe and Wine/Cliff Richard, When a Child is Born/Johnny Mathis, Do they Know it's Christmas/Band Aid, White Christmas/Bing Crosby, Wonderful Christmastime/Paul McCartney, Little Drummer boy\Peace on Earth/Bing Crosby and David Bowie

Round 4: Her Medication, Geese a laying, The Ox and Lamb, Eggnog, Rudolph, I'll be back again someday, Youngest, Italy (Romans), None, Clement C. Moore, Silver and Gold, Gasper/Melchior/Bathasar


Wednesday, December 20, 2006

The Hogfather Review





First off let me just say I am a really big Terry Pratchett fan, and have read most of the Discworld books, that he has written, so this review may have a slight tint of bias in it, and hopefully it will have some reflection of Terry’s humour in it (although that is a little unlikely as he has had years of writing the stories and I haven’t which makes him the cleverer one when it comes to the Discworld).

Anyway back to the Hogfather, it was basically 2 hours long, over two nights, so that is four hours in all although if you take out the adverts it was more like 3 hours long, seriously why have so many adverts? It was based on Terry Pratchett’s novel from the Discworld series of books. These books are probably the only ones that have had me sniggering out loud wherever I read them, and getting the weirdest looks from people. Honestly I am a huge Pratchett fan, and the series last night followed the book very well, from what I remember of it, which means I will have to get the DVD when it comes out, because it is bound to be released on DVD. Old Rupert Murdoch has to milk it for all he can after all. Plus the good thing about that is there will be no bloomin adverts, except at the start advertising other releases and such like. Which means it is probably going to come in a two-disc set, as they are bound to have one of the disc’s showing the making of the series, and Rupert can then get even more money out of it. Well that is if your in the UK, I don’t know about anywhere else though, do they have Sky in the states?

Sorry I digress, so what is it about, well basically;


“The auditors of the universe want total power, but in order to do so they have to get rid of the things we believe in, in this case The Hogfather (Santa Clause). So they go to the Assassins Guild and purchase an inhuman contract on the Hogfather (Assassins don’t like the name death contract or similar, they prefer to think of somebody who is human to be made In-human rather than killed. Been killed sounds so final and tacky, whereas for someone to be made not human anymore is far better!)

So enter Mr. Teatime (or Mr. Te-eh-ti-me-eh as he calls it, it’s still spelt Teatime, but are you going to argue with the best assassin the guild have ever had?), and his little band of men, and one out on his luck wizard. Who has devised the perfect plan to get rid of The Hogfather, which involves kidnapping the Tooth Fairy. He has even thought of a way to assassinate Death himself, although Death will probably have something to say on that one. Hey remember this is the Discworld, and any world that glides through the Universe on the backs of four elephants riding a giant turtle, has things going for it.
So while The Hogfather has ‘gone’ as Death puts it, it is Death himself that steps in to deliver all the presents to the children, ably assisted by his able assistant who is able to help him, and also has a name close to able, in that his name is Albert. Also Susan, Death’s adopted grand-daughter. But they only have until Hogwatch to get people to believe again in the Hogfather, if they don’t then the sun will not rise in the morning.

So who is in it and is it any good? Well the answers to the questions are pretty straight forward. The first is just about any British star who is anyone is in it, and is it any good? Too bloody right it is! But if I was just to write that down then that would mean this review would be finished and that would be very sad, as it would not do the series justice, so let me break it down by the main players.

Death

Weird one this as the body is played by Marnix Van Den Brooke, but the voice is that of Ian Richardson. Thankfully, it all comes together pretty well, although I would like to have seen the permanent set of teeth in Deaths face actually part when he talked rather than just stay in place all the bloomin time, like someone who has used too much denture fix and got their teeth stuck together, or a parody of Tony Blair’s non stop smile. Having said that, it is good how the character has to try going from someone you really don’t want to see, to someone you really do, and to try to learn how to be “Mr. Nil Smiles “ to “Mr. Ho Ho Ho” (that’s HO HO HOOOOO!) Isn’t easy, but it is pretty funny. The trouble is though with Death, he takes everything literally, so kids really do get what they want, even if it is a sword. Death also has his normal day job to do as well, so it’s a really busy time for him.
The god news is that Sky One have got the balance just about right, and they have made Death into a believable and dare I say likeable character, which will please Death, because he is always trying to find ways to become more “human”.

Albert

Played so well by David Jason, he is just perfect for the part. Albert is Death’s man-servant, and former wizard. Albert thought that a spell to summon Death said backwards would keep him away. Unfortunately for Albert it sent him to Death’s domain, fortunately for Albert Death needed a bit of housekeeping doing. Albert is there to try and teach Death to be more human, and to try and get into the spirit of the Hogfather. In a memorable quote when asked if Death was any good, he says “Oh yes, the kids don’t know whether to laugh, cry or wet themselves” at the site of Death in a Santa suit. Albert also dressed as an Elf, and has the arduous task of drinking the sherry, and eating the Pork pie left out for the Hogfather. Mind you he did mistake a turnip for a pork pie the once, but it did look like a pork pie.



Susan

Death’s adopted grand-daughter played by Michelle Dockery, she is the governess to a fairly well off couples children, and we fist meet her when one of the children is been kept awake by the monster in the cellar. One bashing with a poker later and all is well, until the Bogeyman decides to hide under the bed, and Susan uses ‘the voice’ on him, after threatening to put a blanket over him. That is one thing Bogeymen are most afraid of, put a blanket over them and they can’t see, they then think that they don’t exist.
It’s up to Susan to track down the Evil Mr. Teatime, and stop him from ‘assassinating’ the Hogfather, before her grandfather has delivered all the presents.

Mr. Tea-eh-ti-me-eh(Teatime)

Played by Marc Warren, this is one character I was disappointed by, it is probably because Warren plays him like Johnny Depp played Willy Wonka. He even sounded exactly like Willy Wonka, down to the pathetic laugh/chuckle, I even expected him to come out with “Good Morning Sunshine”.
Having said that, there is still the underlining menace there which does add the extra chill to the part.
Mr. Teatime has worked out a way to get rid of The Hogfather, and any other anaphormorphic personalities that may be in the minds and beliefs of people. It involves collecting together all the teeth collected by the Tooth Fairy of all the children in the world, and casting a controlling spell. Once cast the ex-owners of the teeth will be under Teatime’s control, and if he says don’t believe in the Hogfather, the Hogfather will no longer be.
Not very nice Mr Teatime, he also has a pure black glass eye, not that I dislike anyone with glass eyes, but on Willy Wonka, I mean Mr. Teatime it just looks not nice at all.







On with the synopsis then,

Because belief in the Hogfather is diminishing, it means that there is lots of ‘spare’ belief floating about (So says HEX the Unseen University’s (Wizard school) super-computer)). This is a really bad thing, especially with the Arch chancellor Mustrum Ridcully (Joss Ackland), throwing comments about all over the place like asking if anyone has come across the Verruca Gnome in the pipes to the bathroom, or why they have a God of wine, but not a “Oh God of all Hangovers”. So with all this spare belief it’s only a matter of time before they are created. Just don’t mention the Eater of Socks, ahhh too late.

Susan rescues the “Oh God of all hangovers” from the Castle of Bones (The Hogfather’s legendary home), and sets off for the Tooth Fairy’s castle to confront Mr. Teatime. Then she has to take on the Auditors who have taken the form of dogs.

So what of the production itself? Well let’s just say Sky have really done a first class job, the locations, special effects, make-up, and all other things to do with the series are top notch. There are a few mistakes that will have true Terry Pratchett die hard nuts that even read the small print in the books, that you can’t really read as it is such small print, up in arms. But otherwise it brings to life the Discworld and Ankh-Morpork as if it was a town in Britain. The characters that play incidental roles are as I have imagined them in the stories. Corporal Nobbs sitting on Death’s knee, with Death struggling to find out what species he is, is classic Pratchett.




Although the costumes in the production suggest Dickens London, there are still things in this to suggest that it is taking place on another world, and the fact that Pratchett himself makes an appearance as the Toymaker, suggests he must have given a lot of things approval, and been consulted on the show throughout.

Despite the fact there are over 30 Discworld books out there, and despite the fact that Pratchett is constantly in the top 10 of book sales, and in the top 10 of authors worldwide, none of his books have been made into live action films, until now. Hogfather is not in my opinion the best Discworld novel, that one is probably “Feet of Clay”, but it has been released cleverly at the right time of year to coincide with Christmas.

I am happy to report that Terry Pratchett hasn’t ruled out permission for making another of his books to the big screen, which for fans is great. Even for non-readers of his books it’s great because the books are great and they deserve to receive some great recognition.

I only hope if they do make another book into a film, they make “Feet of Clay”, as this is one of the best Discworld novels that I have read, and is centred around the Watch, which means more of Nobby Nobbs.




Thank you Sky One

Rating *****


Saturday, December 16, 2006

Fun & Games

The Bumper Christmas Quiz

Ok folks, it's now ready, the Christmas quiz has arrived, and you have got all the holiday's to have a go at it. If you have had a go tell your friends to try it as well. It's all a bit of fun, it's all based on the time of the year and I hope it's not going to be too easy.

There are a possible 52 points to score, funnily enough that is a point for each week of the year, which will also be the points total available for the special New Year quiz I plan to do.

So without further ado, click on continue and let the fun and frustration begin



Round 1: Mixed up stars

Not the Christmas star, but movie stars, just give me the name of the star that represents the Head, Eyes, Nose, Mouth and Chin of this weird looking bloke, and let me know the link. 10 points on offer here.






Round 2:- Christmas Movies

Narrows down the field a bit with a title like that! Just tell me the name of the movie. 10 points on offer!

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8)
















9)

















10)





















Round 3: Christmas Lyrics

All of these are Christmas hits, but what songs are these lyrics from and who are the artists. 20 points up for grabs here.

1) Once bitten and twice shy, I keep my distance but tears still catch my eye.

2) You Scumbag, You maggot, you cheap, lousy faggot, happy Christmas your arse I pray God it's our last.

3) When the snowman brings the snow, well he just might like to know.

4) Does he turn up on his sleigh, do the fairies keep him sober for a day.

5) Dreams of Santa, Dreams of snow, fingers numb, faces aglow.

6) A ray of light flickers in the sky, a tiny star lights up way up high.

7) We let in light and banish shade.

8) Where tree tops glisten and children listen.

9) The party's on the feelings here.

10) And this one, this is my son's favourite, do you know this one? Oh I do indeed It's a lovely thing. Come they told me pa rum pum pum pum.

Round 4: 12 days of Christmas Quizzicles

Well not exactly 12 days of Christmas, but 12 questions on Christmas for a possible 12 points.

1) In the song "Grandma got run over by a Reindeer" What did Grandma go to get?

2) What did the true love send on the 6th day of christmas?

3) Who kept time with the little drummer boy?

4) What holiday drink has sugar, milk and eggs?

5) What reindeer is never mentioned in "The Night Before Christmas"?

6) What were Frosty the Snowman's last words?

7) Traditionally who opens the first present, the oldest or youngest family member?

8) What country started the tradition of exchanging gifts?

9) How many times does the name Santa Claus appear in "The Night Before Christmas"?

10) Who wrote "The Night Before Christmas"?

11) After red and green what are the two most popular christmas colours?

12) What were the names of the Three Kings?

Good Luck Everyone, and A Very Merry Christmas to you All!


Thursday, December 14, 2006

Fun & Games

Last Weeks Quiz

Just to let you know that the new quiz isn't going to be posted today, because I am going to post a Bumper Christmas quiz in the next few days! I am just working on it at the moment, needless to say it is going to be based around Christmas. So how did you do last week?

Well Kim is getting there again, as both she and Will finished at the top of the tree, with the same score - 31! Poor old Mum finished up with 19, but a good effort alround. The Bumper Quiz, will be a little bit different, and I hope you like it.

So on with the answers.

Round 1: Cher/Moonstruck, Alcatraz/The Rock, John Malkovich/Con Air, Nicholas Cage/Raising Arizona, Phoebe Cates/Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Round 2: Madonna, Tom Jones, Pink, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, James Blunt, Donna Summer, Bono, Sheena Easton, Michael Crawford

Round 3: James II, 1715, Lord Byron, Marie Curie, Woodrow Wilson or Warren Harding, China, Henry Ford, Sir Walter Scott, Clyde Barrow, Billy the Kid

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Weekly Question

Is Christmas too Commercialised?

Well it will soon be on us again, yes that's right it's the time of year where we all spend far too much, eat too much, drink too much, and generally over do things for the sake of a celebration of the birth of someone special. But how many of us really think about the true meaning of Christmas, how many kids out there know the real reason for celebrating Christmas?? Not all that many really.

So has Christmas become too commercialised?





Well have a look at this decorated tree...










Now for me this is just a tad overdone. I mean you casn hardly tell it's a tree with all those decorations and lights. It is a case of buying too much to try to impress, and that is one thing that I have noticed about Christmas, people worry that gifts they bring and buy, are not going to be accepted in a favourable light.


I hate that, the very fact that it was bought in the first place is good enough, I mean I would rather get a handmade present that cost a few pounds, than something that costs hundreds. Why? because something handmade in my opinion has more heart in it than anything that can be bought.





The above image is of a wooden moose puzzle, it doesn't look much, but to a kid who gets nothing at Christmas, it is a ray of light in a dark world, it brings a smile of joy to their face, isn't that what it's about?

Years ago my grandparents would get a wooden toy, an orange, a piece of coal, and if they were lucky some chocolate in their stockings, and that is when a stocking really was a sock.

Not now though sadly, now if a kid got that they would really be upset. But what about the true meaning of Christmas. Let's just put the picture straight here I am in no way a religious person, I don't go to church very often, I don't pray, and I think the bible is just a bunch of stories (I am in trouble for that!). But what I do believe is that we should remember Christmas as the birth of Jesus rather than the fact we get loads of pressies.


Last year I went to the first Christmas Nativity in a very long time, at our local Church, I took my daughter who was 5 at the time and she was lucky enough to be an angel in the acted out nativity. She loved every minute of it, But I loved it more! There was something very uplifting about singing carols in the church and I am definitely going again this year. The closest I got to a feeling like that was when I lived in Lincoln and went to the Christmas Market there. Luckily it started to snow at about 11pm, as a load of us gathered around carol singers, standing under the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral, holding a bag of hot chestnuts. Bliss!



So has Christmas become too commercialised? Well for me it has, it wont stop me enjoying it though.

Last weekly question: Do you surf at work?

Yes (Tea breaks and lunch) - 0%, Yes ( less than 1 Hour) - 20%, Yes (1-2 hours) - 10%, Yes (2-3 hours) -30%, Yes (3 hours+) - 20%, Plead the 5th - 20%






Thursday, December 07, 2006

Fun and Games

Weekly Quiz
Well last time out you had two weeks to get your answers in, what with me been away and all.
But it was the joint effort of the siblings that won through in the end. Although, mum did get ALL the quizzicles right! I must have made it too easy.

So here are the scores, Will and Kim - 23, Mum 19, so no one got the link. If i said Will you would go into a Blind Fury over it, I am sure you can get the link straight away.

This weeks link is VERY easy, on with the quiz then.



Round 1: Movie Link

I just need off you the actress/actor, film title, and in one picture the place and the film it is associated with. You may have to work out the link before you can get the film.


1) Actress ONLY please


2)


3)



4)



5)

Round Two: Singing Stars
We now have a round that comprises of the music fraternity, just simply identify these cunningly disguised singers.

1)

2)

3)

4)


5)

6)


7)


8)



9)



10)


Round 3: Quizzicles
Finally then the quizzicles round, and this time we get historical!
1) Anne Hyde was the wife of which future King of England?
2) In which year did King Louis XIV die?
3) Who's daughter was Ada Lovelace?
4) Which female scientest won the Nobel Prize in 1903 & 1911?
5) Who was President of the USA in 1920?
6) Which country did Japan invade in 1931?
7) Who claimed that "Histroy was Bunk"?
8) Who wrote "Ivanhoe"?
9) Who was the notorious partner of Bonnie Parker?
10) What was William Bonney's nickname?
Answers to last week;
Round 1: Jennifer Garner/Alais, Sarah Michelle Geller/Buffy, Michelle Pfieffer/Ladyhawke, Madonna/Bloodhounds of Broadway, Christian Bale/Batman Begins - Link was Rutger Hauer who starred in all the above.
Round 2: Tony Curtis, Tom Cruise, Robert Wagner, Marylin Monroe, Cher, Sandra Bullock, Keauna Reeves, Denise Richards, Bill Cosby, Carol Thatcher.
Round 3: It has no eyes, rose, Roots, Swallow, none, dog, true, rose, reptiles, ambergris

Travel

A Post at Last!!


Well at long last I have finally managed to get online again,after a rather disappointing trip to India.
Don't get me wrong, the weather was great, the people wonderful, and the site had the most amazing temple I have seen.
It was just that I couldn't finish the job, as the one thing I needed to be working at the site wasn't!
Still there you go I did get a few decent pictures of the temple, have a look...






This is one of the whole temple, remember this was in the middle of a CEMENT works, which is heavy industry and very dirty, smokey and not all that pleasant.

Then there is this one;




The goddess or god that the temple is dedicated to is in this picture;



And finally, the last picture is of one of the mineret type arches;